(Photo: Muhammad Andriansyah)

In his remarks, USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia for selecting USU as the venue for the forum. He expressed hope that the discussion would generate input for improving state finance regulations, including regulations on the management of assets owned by Legal Entity State Universities (PTN-BH) to support the financing needs of higher education.

“Hopefully, this event can provide valuable insights for all of us regarding this very important Draft Law on State Finance,” he said.

In his remarks, Dean of the USU Faculty of Law Dr. Mahmul Siregar, S.H., M.Hum., highlighted legal uncertainty resulting from the lack of alignment among various regulations concerning state finance, particularly those governing the management of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). He noted that such conditions could make decision-makers hesitant to invest and pursue innovation.

“This uncertainty has caused many BUMN managers to be concerned about making decisions and afraid to invest,” he said.

(Photo: Muhammad Andriansyah)

In his keynote speech, Deputy Minister of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, S.H., M.H., emphasized the importance of harmonizing laws and regulations to establish consistent standards for the management of state assets, particularly at BUMNs. He explained that regulatory alignment was also necessary to clarify legal accountability and prevent differing interpretations in handling cases involving losses to state finances.

“This synchronization and harmonization are important for all of us,” he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for uniform standards in auditing state financial losses to prevent different audit findings for the same object. According to him, regulatory alignment is also necessary to establish clear legal boundaries in the application of provisions concerning corruption offenses.

“What must not happen is for law enforcement officials to calculate state financial losses without applying the same standards,” he stressed.

Dean of the USU Faculty of Law Dr. Mahmul Siregar, S.H., M.Hum., explained that the forum marked an initial stage in the lengthy process of improving state finance regulations. The involvement of higher education institutions provides academics with an opportunity to contribute their research findings and expertise to policymaking.

“Our contribution as a state university, particularly the Faculty of Law, is to provide insights based on the expertise of our lecturers and teaching staff and contribute to the formulation of draft policies,” he explained.

He added that the USU Faculty of Law would follow up on the outcomes of the forum by developing further lecturer research and submitting academic input to the government. Continued collaboration with the Ministry of Law is also expected so that studies on state finance regulations can be conducted more comprehensively.

“Certainly, we also hope that we can continue collaborating with the Ministry of Law to further develop ideas and perspectives on this matter,” he added.

Through the Meaningful Public Participation Hearing, USU is expected to strengthen the contribution of academics to the public policymaking process while encouraging improvements to state finance regulations that provide legal certainty and support accountable state financial governance.

Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., emphasized the importance of mapping students’ interests to ensure that collaboration programs are aligned with their needs and educational plans. During the discussion, she also highlighted the need to identify students who have a genuine interest in pursuing further education abroad.

“Collaboration programs need to be designed in a targeted manner so that they can reach students who fit the program’s intended target,” she said.

Director of the USU Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., said that support from various parties is needed to help students and alumni gain educational and employment opportunities after graduation.

“We need the support of all parties, both individuals and institutions, that are working in mutually supportive areas, particularly in helping our alumni find career opportunities as soon as possible after graduation,” Prof. Agus said.

Prof. Agus also highlighted the importance of connecting graduates with employment opportunities that match their potential and competencies. According to him, the demographic bonus needs to be accompanied by access to the workforce so that young human resources can contribute optimally. “That is why we are working together to ensure that our alumni can quickly find opportunities to enter the workforce,” he said.

Meanwhile, NIEC Brain Manager Ridha Sandiawaludin explained that the audience was intended to introduce NIEC’s programs while providing options for students who wish to develop their education and careers in the future.

“The purpose of NIEC’s visit today is, of course, to introduce the programs we offer and provide a platform for students to explore what options they can pursue next, particularly for those who wish to achieve better educational or career opportunities in the future,” Ridha explained.

Ridha added that the collaboration with USU is expected to broaden the dissemination of information about overseas study opportunities, including access to international education and networks. NIEC offers several programs, including assistance with applications to overseas universities, scholarship information, IELTS and TOEFL preparation, study abroad and double degree programs, as well as international internship opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector.

“We hope that through the collaboration discussed today, we can disseminate information about overseas study opportunities, so that students can access better education, build networks abroad, and pursue careers both in Indonesia and overseas,” he said.

Through this audience, USU and NIEC discussed opportunities to develop collaboration that could expand access to international education information and open up career development opportunities for students and alumni. The discussion also emphasized the importance of identifying and mapping students’ interests so that the programs developed are aligned with their needs, readiness, and goals in planning their future education and careers.

In her remarks, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., expressed her appreciation to YIAK for its contribution to supporting students. According to her, the assistance is a form of concern that can help students complete their education.

“I sincerely hope that this assistance can help the students and, in the future, reach even more students,” she said.

In his remarks, Trustee of the Izzatul Amaliyah KAMUSU Foundation, Ir. Abdul Haris Matondang, MBA, explained that the assistance represents the alumni’s contribution to their alma mater. He also encouraged the recipients to remain motivated to complete their education and, in the future, contribute to benefiting the next generation.

“You who have received this assistance are among those who have been chosen. Keep going, you can do it, and you can achieve even more. If you become successful, help this foundation grow. Continue to love your alma mater,” he said.

In an interview, Chair of the Izzatul Amaliyah KAMUSU Foundation Board, Drg. Zulkifli Nasution, M.Sc., CMC., explained that the 2026 BBTA program marked its fourth implementation. This year, 17 students received assistance amounting to Rp2.5 million each. The recipients were final-year students who met the program’s criteria.

“Today, we are providing assistance to 17 students, with each recipient receiving Rp2.5 million,” he said.

He added that the BBTA program focuses not only on providing financial assistance but also serves as a means of introducing students to social activities and alumni contributions through YIAK. He hopes that the recipients will eventually join the foundation and continue the spirit of sharing with other students.

“Once they become alumni, they are currently in their seventh or eighth semester and will soon graduate. As alumni, they can join us,” he added.

Through the BBTA program, YIAK KAMUSU hopes that support for final-year students can continue while fostering greater awareness among alumni to contribute to their alma mater and USU students in the future.

(Photo: Amri Affandi Simatupang)
 

In his remarks, USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized the important role of social and political sciences in addressing various issues faced by society. He stressed that knowledge must provide tangible benefits rather than merely develop within academic circles.

“Knowledge must reach real life, understand the challenges faced by society, and provide meaningful solutions,” he said.

He also encouraged FISIP USU to strengthen the quality of its research, collaboration with communities, and international partnerships. He welcomed the collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, which is expected to be realized through various academic programs and joint research initiatives.

“We hope this collaboration will not stop at the signing of documents, but continue into concrete programs that provide benefits to both institutions,” he said.

Dean of FISIP USU Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., M.SP., outlined several achievements by the faculty in improving academic quality and the competitiveness of its Study Programs. He noted that five Study Programs had obtained international accreditation as part of efforts to strengthen FISIP USU’s reputation.

“Five of them have obtained international accreditation, namely Communication Science, Sociology, Social Welfare, Social Anthropology, and Political Science,” he explained.

(Photo: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

He added that academic achievements need to be accompanied by the academic community’s concern for issues affecting society. He also encouraged students to participate in research and learning innovation so that the knowledge they acquire can have a broader impact.

“Everyone in the academic community—the university leadership, lecturers, staff, and students—must continue to care so that what we do at this university, including the tridharma of higher education, can have an impact on society,” he added.

Chair of the FISIP USU 46th Anniversary Committee, Dr. Tonny P. Situmorang, M.Si., stated that the anniversary activities would take place from October 22 to November 14, 2026. Various academic activities and discussions have been prepared to address national and local issues while encouraging FISIP USU to contribute to society.

“We discuss all kinds of national and local issues in order to achieve the vision we have established together,” he said.

Through the celebration of its 46th Anniversary, FISIP USU is expected to further strengthen the quality of education, research, and collaboration with society. The spirit of “Connecting Knowledge, Society, and Change” serves as a reminder that the development of knowledge must go hand in hand with social awareness and tangible contributions to positive change.

In her remarks, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., said that the program provides an opportunity to expand students’ access to international-standard education. She also emphasized that overseas learning experiences are expected to strengthen students’ competencies and encourage them to contribute to society.

“This meeting is a valuable opportunity to build a shared vision for improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia while expanding opportunities for students to gain international academic experience,” she said.

(Foto: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

In his presentation, Head of the LPDP Cooperation and Scholarship Development Division, Dr. Agam Bayu Suryanto, S.E., MBA., QRMP., explained that the 3+1+1 scheme allows students to complete three years of undergraduate study at USU, spend their fourth and final undergraduate year at a partner university abroad, and then continue with one year of master’s study. The requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.25, an English proficiency certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, completion of at least 1.5 years of study, ranking among the top 10 students in their cohort, and a recommendation from the dean.

“This is an accelerated master’s scholarship program, 3 plus 1 plus 1: three years at USU, followed by one year of the undergraduate program at a partner university abroad. Plus one year to pursue a master’s degree,” he explained.

(Foto: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

In an interview, Dr. Agam Bayu Suryanto explained that students must apply to USU to obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for an international undergraduate program while simultaneously applying for an LPDP scholarship. The LPDP selection process consists of two stages: administrative screening and an interview. He also added that USU needs to promptly establish communication with partner universities, including Goldsmiths, University of London, and prepare the necessary cooperation documents so that the program can be implemented soon.

“So, students apply to USU to obtain a Letter of Acceptance. In parallel, they apply to LPDP for the scholarship. At LPDP, they will go through two stages of selection. The first is administrative screening, and the second is the interview,” he said.

He also encouraged USU to accelerate the preparation of cooperation documents with partner universities. The program is targeted for launch in December 2026 or January 2027, allowing socialization and student preparation to begin promptly.

“So, prepare the MoU and submit it to LPDP, and it’s done. LPDP only needs the MoU from you. We will certainly support it,” he emphasized.

Through this collaboration initiative, USU is expected to expand opportunities for students to gain international educational experience and pursue master’s degrees with LPDP support. Academic preparation, communication with partner universities, and the preparation of cooperation documents are important steps in supporting the implementation of the 3+1+1 Accelerated Master’s Scholarship Program.

Director of the USU Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science and Technology Area, Prof. Dr. Ir. Noverita Sprinse Vinolina, M.P., said in her remarks that the event provided an opportunity for participants from different countries to exchange knowledge and experiences while strengthening international academic relations.

“This event provides an opportunity for participants from different countries to exchange knowledge and experiences while strengthening international academic relations,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions in expanding academic networks, promoting joint research, and enhancing knowledge exchange. Through the program, participants are expected to actively engage in discussions and establish sustainable collaborations.

“We hope the participants can actively participate in discussions, expand their academic networks, and build sustainable collaborations through this program,” she explained.

Meanwhile, a participant from Malaysia, Asst. Prof. Dr. Afridah Abas from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), expressed her appreciation to the Faculty of Law USU for its warm welcome and hospitality. She also expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the Summer Course 2026 series.

“I greatly appreciate the welcome and hospitality provided by the Faculty of Law USU. I am happy to be part of this program and hope to gain new experiences and knowledge,” she said.

Another participant, Mahmud Lawan, a Nigerian student currently studying at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), also expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the event. According to him, the program not only provided an opportunity to gain knowledge but also enabled participants to expand their social networks and develop a better understanding of different cultures.

“I am happy to participate in this program because it not only gives me the opportunity to gain new knowledge, but also allows me to meet participants from different countries, expand my circle of friends, and understand different cultures,” he said.

Through the implementation of Summer Course 2026, the Faculty of Law USU is expected to continue strengthening international collaboration, expanding academic networks, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences among students and academics from different countries.

The activity aimed to provide all work units with an understanding of changes to the RKA preparation mechanism through the implementation of an integrated system to improve the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the University’s budget management.

In his presentation, USU Manager of Program Control, Evaluation, and Reporting, Ishbir Mujahid Adha, S.E., M.Si., explained that USU is integrating the processes of planning, financial management, payments, and accounting, which had previously been carried out separately.

“In the future, we will use a single integrated system covering everything from planning and finance or payments through to accounting,” he said.

He explained that the changes to the budgeting mechanism also include the use of a Chart of Accounts (CoA) as a reference for preparing expenditure lists. Each work unit is required to prepare a Terms of Reference (TOR), provide details of its activities, and prepare a Budget Plan (RAB) according to its needs before submitting the proposal for review and approval.

In addition, the implementation of the integrated system enables the approval and recording of budget changes to be carried out digitally. Through this mechanism, every budget change can be monitored by the relevant parties, thereby supporting transparency and financial control at the University.

In an interview, Ishbir stated that USU has established 14 priority programs for FY 2027, in addition to programs supporting the achievement of the Key Performance Indicators (IKU) and Institutional Performance Indicators (IKB).

“Every year, there will indeed be shifts in priorities. We will make the matters that are more important for that particular year our priorities. This year, we have 14 priority programs in addition to those supporting the IKU and IKB,” he said.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of each work unit being prepared to adapt to changes in the budgeting system. According to him, this socialization activity serves as an initial step toward building understanding while accelerating the adaptation process to the new RKA preparation mechanism.

“When there is a new system, we need to adapt to it. And we have started that adaptation today,” he added.

Through this socialization and workshop, USU hopes that all work units will be able to understand and optimally implement the RKA preparation mechanism for FY 2027. The implementation of the integrated system is expected to strengthen the University’s financial governance by making it more effective, transparent, accountable, and oriented toward achieving institutional priority programs.

Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), said that establishing task forces is one of the collaborative measures taken by PTN-BH to address issues of violence, mental health, and inclusivity in higher education institutions. Discussions on these issues had been held since three months before the forum and were followed up through the workshop that had been conducted.

“There was a kind of workshop yesterday to provide more detailed discussion and operationalize how it would be implemented and how cooperation among PTN-BH could be carried out. This way, we can have the same platform and the same policies, share with one another, and ultimately reduce and mitigate these issues,” she said.

Furthermore, Prof. Ova explained that the competitiveness of higher education institutions is not only related to institutional achievements but also to the impact they create. Such impact is generated through the implementation of the tridharma of higher education, namely education, research, and community service.

“When we talk about competitiveness, especially in relation to the mission of higher education today, it is about impact. And that impact is related to the quality of education, the quality of research, and the quality of community service.”

Strengthening a safe and inclusive educational ecosystem and improving the international competitiveness of higher education institutions were also key concerns discussed at the forum. Competitiveness is closely linked to the ability of higher education institutions to improve the quality of education, research, and community service so that their impact can be felt by the wider public. Therefore, innovative strategies are needed to address various global challenges in higher education.

The forum served as a collaborative platform to discuss funding strategies for strategic university projects, broaden perspectives, and strengthen institutional governance to support the sustainable development of higher education.

USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that hosting the forum provided USU with an opportunity to strengthen synergy and knowledge exchange among higher education institutions.

“USU welcomes the U25 Leaders Forum as a platform for collaboration, sharing experiences, and discussing innovative and sustainable funding strategies,” he said.

One of the activities on the agenda was the Workshop of the Inclusivity and Anti-Violence Working Group of the U25 Higher Education Consortium. The session discussed strengthening higher education institutions’ commitment to creating academic environments that are safe, inclusive, and free from violence.

Strengthening inclusivity and preventing violence are important aspects of higher education governance. These efforts are not only related to protecting members of the academic community but also support the creation of learning and working environments that respect diversity, equality, and the rights of every individual.

Another agenda item was the Sharing Session: Cooperatives and BPR/University Financial Institutions, which served as a platform for exchanging experiences on the development and management of financial institutions within higher education institutions.

The discussion was relevant for PTN-BH institutions in identifying opportunities to develop funding sources and optimize institutional economic potential.

Effective and accountable resource management is essential to support various strategic needs, ranging from improving the quality of learning and developing research and innovation to constructing academic infrastructure.

Through this forum, university leaders and task forces are expected to share best practices, identify opportunities for collaboration, and broaden their perspectives in developing funding strategies according to the needs and characteristics of their respective institutions.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of a higher education management approach that is not solely oriented toward academic achievement but is also supported by sound financial governance, sustainable institutional development, and a safe and inclusive campus environment.

The initiative was driven by a shared awareness that each higher education institution has different levels of preparedness, challenges, and experiences in providing protection and accessibility. Through the consortium, higher education institutions are committed to aligning their efforts to ensure equitable and disability-friendly academic spaces that are free from all forms of violence while supporting the mental well-being of students, lecturers, and educational staff.

During the session on the prevention and response to sexual violence, Dr. Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR), Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM), emphasized that efforts to address violence on campus must not be partial or merely serve as administrative formalities. Preventing sexual violence requires the establishment of a strong and sustainable institutional ecosystem, ranging from extensive grassroots-level education to the full commitment of higher education leaders.

Dr. Suri highlighted the vital role and independence of the Task Force for the Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS). Preventing and responding to violence requires a safe campus ecosystem. Regular monitoring is essential, as without periodic monitoring and evaluation, the risk of recurring cases of sexual violence on campus will remain high.

“There must be monitoring of existing policies and prevention and response programs. If this is not carried out regularly, violence on campus may recur,” she said.

Meanwhile, during the session on disability services and accessibility, Wuri Handayani, S.E., Ak., M.Si., M.A., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), highlighted the importance of effective institutional management of Disability Service Units (ULD) at higher education institutions. Wuri explained that the availability of disability services is a key indicator of an inclusive campus, although disparities in quality and understanding among higher education institutions in managing such services still exist.

In her presentation, Wuri explained that providing accessibility for persons with disabilities should not be interpreted merely as physical infrastructure, such as ramps or elevators. The needs of students with disabilities are dynamic and vary considerably from one individual to another. Higher education institutions are therefore required to apply the principle of reasonable adjustment through flexible assessments of individual needs. For example, if a wheelchair user has difficulty accessing a classroom on an upper floor, a prompt adjustment can be made by moving the class to the ground floor rather than waiting for time-consuming infrastructure development.

Wuri also encouraged the establishment of a structured network of cooperation among ULD managers at higher education institutions, including the idea of forming an association of ULD managers across PTNBH institutions or the U25 Consortium. Such synergy is expected to bridge differences in institutional capacity through benchmarking and mutual support.

“This forum is very important for sharing experiences and good practices from each campus so that they can be adopted by campuses that are just beginning, or have not yet begun, to establish Disability Service Units,” she said.

In addition to violence prevention and disability accessibility, the workshop also emphasized the importance of strengthening mental health services as a key supporting pillar of the academic environment. Higher education institutions are encouraged to integrate mental health services into their institutional structures by providing counseling facilities, psychological first aid programs, and accessible peer counseling for members of the academic community.